Hi Everyone,
One final word on the Vera Blanc issue and then I think we should move on to more enjoyable conversation. Some of you have said that you thought I was too hard in my response to her post and that I asked for opinions and should therefore be prepared to “swallow” whatever people offer. You are correct, I did welcome everyone’s opinion on the ‘less is more’ topic. I did not welcome political, embittered ranting and I still don’t. If you read the Vera’s post you will see that for the most part she was quite rude not to mention ill informed. Might I again point out that in toying with the idea of a six song record, I wouldn’t expect the record company to charge the same price as they do for a twelve song record. If I had my way I would give the music away for free seeing as I don’t make any money from the actual mechanical sales of my records in any case not to mention making even less than nothing in this age of copyright violation. People seem to forget that an artist who may have been selling 8 million records eight years ago is now selling the equivalent of 1-2. That is the financial reality of my industry at this moment. My reasons for even entertaining the prospect of a six song record was to simply get the thing out there sooner so that I can go tour all the countries I’ve missed over the years and do what I’m finding I do best which is connect with you…my audience. To tell you the truth I can foresee a very rough road ahead when it comes to finally releasing this record because I will most certainly be at odds with the record company due to us having somewhat different agendas.
I’m not trying to short change anyone, I’m trying to give you more music over less time at a LOWER PRICE. I’m also trying to include you in that decision/creative process which, if I may say so myself, wouldn’t be that easy an opportunity to come by with other artists. I just hope I’m not being too ambitious in that respect.
Thank you once again for writing in. I’m going to try and put up some video from the studio today.
Love, Peace & Family,
S.
dear SEAL,
you are such a wonderful and sensitive person! there are some people quite frustrated and perhaps they understand things wrong. but please don´t worry about them. there are much more people happy with their lives and they are SOOO HONORED (!!!) that you take their point of few about your new album.
we LOVE you, YOUR MUSIC and the possibility to participate that much!
THANK YOU and HAPPY VALENTINE for YOU and HEIDI,
NANNI
Seal,
And we appreciate and we understand this…Thank you again.
“Playing with fire, and not getting burned…”
Good-night!!!
LOL,
Karen
Listen ,Seal. Don’t let that Vera person throw you off your game!!!! Last thing you need is someone, showing up and disrupting you, while you’re “in the zone”. He/She seemed to want to get political, but in the wrong place!!! Don’t let that phase you. Just stay focused.
“That’s all I wanted to sayyyyyyyyy”
Nice… it’s cool to hear about the videos. So we will enjoy it anyway. Ok, have a nice day and don’t lose Your expensive time and mind for negative feedback.
a-chill
NxSG
How right you are S. For those of us not in the “industry” we know that it has changed greatly over the years, to what extent we may not be clear on, as our involvment is on consumer basis not artist basis. After reading your recent post, I’m sorry to read how drastic the changes have been. Having said that, the labels will have to understand that artists will need to adapt to those changes. Here come the contractual provisions now I’m sure. Don’t waste any more energy on the topic, I’m in for a ” good sing along ” with you, whether its been 5 years or 5 months since you’re last album. Cheers!
Dear Seal,
I carefully read Ms Blanc both comments to understand what is going on and try to help. Let’s see.
I am a teacher and I know how powerful words can be from a power privileged spot and in this case with Ms Blanc I think you have abused of the power you have here and it was unnecessary.
I ask you again: what’s going on with you? Or even: who are you? It is a desappoinment to hear that not all comments are welcome in your blog, specially if it criticizes you. If I were you I would say sorry as a gentleman would do and I would think better why this bothered you so much. But this is how I try to react when things like that happens in my life, it is totally up to you.
I didn’t understand why all comments as well as your personal answer to the lady and the “yet again comment” didn’t mention or discussed this topic: THE QUALITY OF THE FILLERS tracks YOU declared to have the intention to record and asked us what we think of that. (Quote: “I ask you, what would you rather listen to, twelve good songs with one or two of them being great or six great songs?”) It is not a matter of quantity or frequency, but quality. And I would like to talk about this now.
I don’t want, as an old fan like others here including Ms Blanc, the quality of your music to decline. By the way this is exactly what touches our hearts and what brought you so many compliments.
I’m from Brazil as well and I understand that a six or twelve tracks album has to do with poverty when a friend of mine (Lidia), for example, bought your last DVD in stead of paying an electricity bill. It has consequences on people’s life’s, you know what I mean? Next time, maybe, Lidia will not sacrifice her life for a 12 track album that only 2 or 3 are good enough, as you stated. This is what we should be talking about – and I think it is hugely important – and I didn’t find in any comments of yours or others.
I am personally against the 12+‘fillers’ option and I am also offended with this possibility you presented. You won’t get mad at me if I say that, will you?
Now, Houston, we have a problem. And I felt – again, only my point of view – that as myself, Ms Blanc was trying to help you when she worries about you as an artist.
Now i want personally to ask you: do you garantee your next álbum with as many tracks as you wish and THAT USUAL QUALITY YOUR HEART AND TALENT have presented so far?
Love peace,
An
Hi S, you have waisted too much energy on this topic…Let’s please close this chapter shall we?… I am looking forward to seeing video from your studio sessions. Hey do you have any pics or video from S. America that you would like to share?
sea to sky, thank you so much, I do feel a little better. Have a great one!
take care.
Peace&Love,
I
oooooh.. I so agree with you S. This is a happy, peace loving place.
Lets move on to more happy things! There will always be people that have outword views and yes they are free to state them.. but not here… this blog is a beautiful thing!
HAPPY HEART DAY! Cant wait to see studio vids and shots!!
Hi Seal
Just in case my comments got lost earlier today (I posted them at the end of a prevous post, which is now two down):
I love this discussion – I remember a while back (16 years ago…) Jackie Brambles (remember her?) on Radio 1 commented about your album that it had only 9 songs on, which was unusual by that point, but that every single song was wonderful and strong by itself, but also worked in the context of the whole. That to me is what an album should be, whether it’s 6 songs or 36.
I also liked the comment written on the Future Love EP about the difference between an EP designed to be listened to as a whole, and a single with one strong track and one weak track.
And being a fan of artists like yourself and George Michael, who release albums sparingly and of high quality, but also of Prince, who releases something every year and treats them mostly as throwaways for the here and now, I’ve given this a lot of thought for many years. The drawback to releasing only the strongest material, is that what may not seem great to you might be my favorite song ever. Certainly if you go to a Prince website and read about the 36-song album Emancipation, most people will agree that it’s not at the high standard of, say, the 9-song Lovesexy, but most people will also say that it has 8 or 9 great songs – but everyone has different opinions about which ones are the great ones and which ones are awful.
I know that if I had a great six-song collection from you, I might still wonder about the other tracks you’d worked on that didn’t get included (in the same way that people here have been clamoring to hear Togetherland).
I’ve thought for a while that the Internet offers some good solutions – you could release a collection of songs for mass consumption, radio play, CD release etc., but then release (either as pay-per-download, or free streaming) the outtakes and other random tracks on the internet, and make it clear that you don’t think it’s of the same standard, but that we may enjoy them.
The Barenaked Ladies did something interesting with their latest project – they recorded enough for a double-album, but felt it was too much for a mainstream album, so they released the first half, Barenaked Ladies Are Me, as a mainstream album, but on a ‘deluxe’ version online they included the second album’s-worth of songs, which has now also been released last week on CD, called Barenaked Ladies Are Men.
All-in-all, I would love a strong 6-song collection, but would prefer each song to be Violet-length rather than Princess-length… I’d still like to be able to listen to it as an album and not need to change the CD soon after I sat down. But I’d also like the chance to hear the stuff that you don’t think is as strong or has no commercial appeal, because I think I may like that just as much…
Thanks for taking our thoughts on this. I appreciate an artist giving some real though and attention to what your listeners think.
PS – will this be called Seal V, or do you have a different name in mind?
“Dear” Seal,
I can only say THANK YOU. Your attitude made me grow and understand that the work of an artist doesn’t represent the human being.
You are so right again. Your blog is not the best place for “people asking why”. (I have seen the posts BEFORE Feb12th : how relevant conversations!)
I like your decision to change the subject, it’s very clever. That way people, in the future, will NOT ask if the price of U$700.000,00 for each Seal’s show includes a part destinate to replace the effects of CO2 emissions for each presentation in the environment. Ooops! Sorry! It is not about love and peace.
As I said before, I will not make any difference in your life. And you let it even more clear now.
I am just a “frustrated” person (you don’t even know me to say so) that doesn’t agree with you. I don’t understood your overreaction. And it seems you didn’t understand the point: QUALITY OF YOUR WORK AS AN ARTIST. I am not talking about prices or numbers of tracks. I was trying to alert you that it was not cool for your image.
It was ONLY an opinion.
May I give a suggestion: move it on, play your songs, live your life and be happy.
Don’t waste your time anymore.
Be cool and God bless you, I think you need that now.
Thank you,
Vera Blanc
If you look at the way people buy music these days.. they often buy an entire album for just one or two of the tracks.. AND NEVER LISTEN TO ANY OTHER TRACKS.. because those tracks often suck. Seal was making a comment on the industry and why it may be faltering.. and commenting on his view of how and why people buy albums these days and whether they even listen to the entire album anyway.
Seal was not saying he was going to put filler tracks on his next CD.. but that he would like to entertain the idea of releasing a 6 track CD with 6 awesome tracks. Instead of taking longer to release a cd of 12 tracks.
Plus.. he would release more CD’s in shorter periods of time at lower prices.
I don’t think we need to get angry here and make all these ridiculous accusations.. it’s not making for a pleasant environment.
I personally would LOVE to have Seal release more CD’s in shorter periods of time!
Charles you just described my hubby!!! He’s one to buy a CD for just one song..literally never listen to the rest of it…and many times I’ve taken his CD and listened to it all..and then intro him to OTHER songs on it LOL..me on the other hand..I listen to every song many times before deciding to skip a song or two that I dont like…I definitely would LOVE to be able to get more new music a couple of times a year than have to wait a long time in between…my vote is for 6 track CD’s..just my humble opinion
Peace and Love,
Beth
Until this past Christmas when I bought my kids their begged for IPODS.. I always have bought the whole CD.. I admit I have become spoiled being able to pick and choose exactly what I want to hear rather than buying a whole album. I will always likely buy the whole CD of a singer I really enjoy like Seal(which is why I post here) because I really like his music and the changes of pace he puts on an album. But.. I would MUCH rather he put out something special when he feels he’s got it than to have to wait for an entire album to come out.Which could be a long wait.
Greetings from snowy Cleveland Ohio!
Like others here, I have very little knowledge of the problems facing the music industry these days (from the artists’ point of view). I am sure it is frustrating to artists who have been around for a long time. And I am sure it is difficult persuading a record label to see things your way and to trust your instincts. There is a lot on the line, for both sides of the fence! Thank you for enlightening us a bit, Seal. I had no idea.
So, in the spirit of rolling with the times, I would also prefer to get “shorter” cd’s more often, and see you on tour more frequently too.
I too hope you would consider another ‘reprise”. A few other people here have mentioned them; I too really enjoy them. Pulls the whole thing together for me. I especially love Human Being (reprise).
As for the recent tension, let’s all take a deep breath, let bygones be bygones, and be grateful for what we do have – freedom, love, sustenance, safety, health, etc.. I was very grateful for the roof over my head and my creaky old furnace during yesterday’s blizzard!
Hey there…
Can anyone tell me why my posts dissapear? I see them for a little while and then I can’t see them on the list anymore…
Nico
Seal,
First of all, I just want to tell you what a brilliant artist I think you are.
On this Vera issue, Some observations: It’s amazing that you respond to your fans letters the way you do. Most artists are not so generous with their time. You are quite exceptional to open up conversation with them and share personal information about yourself. I would be careful not to share too much. Some people have a pathological need for contact with celebrities because without it they feel they are nothing (a good example of this is Robert De Niro’s portrayal of Rupert Pumpkin in The King of Comedy). It seems to me that Vera is just such a crank. She is star struck and drunk on the fact that you, a brilliant artist, and worldwide celebrity have responded to her emotional and political rant. When someone argues that a six song album has something to do with the favellas in Brazil then that person is obviously grasping for attention in any way they can get it. So that is my two cents on the issue. Anyway, take care and congratulations on the new family members!
Thanks,
Adam
Well said Seal. It’s unfortunate some people misuse this platform to connect with you and each other in peace and love, but I’m sure those disturuptions will always be in the minority of posts thankfully.
You really got me thinking with your proposed plan, and I just commend you for offering a new solution to making your music and tours more accessible for everyone. It’s funny though: music just hasn’t been the same to me since digital formats became the norm. My encounter with a single disc is almost gone now – its unfortunate. Utliamtely, I find I enjoy music less because the options are so plentiful, I don’t allow the experience to really saturate into enjoyment like I used to.
If its you’re work, I know I’ll only get the full effect of your work if I listen to it in my discman instead of my iPod. Music listening has almost become a discipline in some respects.
Just some thoughts. Thanks.
//Anton
People, please calm your tension…
I think it is good for Seal’s careere to hear also the opposite oppinion…agree??
It is to plastic all the time to hear:” Seal, you are the best…you are wonderfull, you are…bla bla bla.” At the first momment this seems ok. But we all are people, we have our different lifes, problems…ets. We will reacted perhaps better if we also are awere of our mistakes.Vera you are brave to talk so laught about your oppinion- Seal you are wonderfull artistic, we love your music…Vera and Seal-we love you..
Happy Valentines Day
p.s. Ladysingstblues- Where are you??
I think Vera missed Seal’s point. He has no intention of releasing anything of lesser quality. He has always been adamant on that. It was a question of the amount of songs versus the time it takes to get them out to the public. She stomped on his integrity. He snapped back. Sensitive people get defensive when people are rude to them. I appreciate the fact that Seal even responded. Now as to this rough road ahead. I hope it is not. Record companies don’t seem to have a clue. Let’s enlighten them, shall we?
Happy Valentine’s Day everybody. A bit belated.
Hallo Seal,
I have read your reasons for maybe bringing out a 6 or maybe 7 track album.
Now I can understand you very much better and I think there a some really good points on it….the best reason for me is for sure that we (your fans) don`t must wait a few years before you coming out with a new album – if understand you right we can hear every year a few new great
songs!
That`s GREAT in my mind….cause for me it was/is very hard to wait ssooo long for hearing new tracks – I can`t live without your music. It`s a part of my life!! So the price is (ok I can only speak for myself) very unimportant – I would buy every Seal track
))
But please (if you go that way) bring the tracks out on a official CD which can everyone buy in a music shop!!! NOT only for download pleace!!!!!
By the way one suggestion/question:
I have read before you coming out with Seal 4 you have recorded 75 songs and more before you find the final track list…..the rest of the tracks go into the fault – why don`t you put some of this produced tracks on Seal.com in the part music for streaming (ideas)?????
Togetherland is on the way (hope very much we don`t must wait any longer)….but some more ideas, acoustic versions or live records would be fantastic, too!!!
In the moment you know we only find there Adios Ayer, England and 2 live tracks – so it would be so cool to find at this place more of SEAL……I think for any fan it`s a great present to hear the songs – maybe you think about this….
OK – have a great week!!!!
Best wishes from Germany send you
Kai
In regards to the continuing 6 vs. 12 issue, I really don’t comprehend what the beef is. Ms. Blanc wants quality. Seal is dedicating himself to a quality album. Are we not all in agreement here?
Honestly, I just see Seal and Co. making a (wise) all-around decision by making fewer songs per CD. It has it’s business perks such as a lower costing album and having the likelihood of reaching maximum profits out of the album. In the artistic side of things the smaller album won’t dry out any creative juices that the Seal team may have. In other words, Seal won’t have to feel like he has to make an entire 12 song dance album if halfway though he decides to go with some other styled album. Am I making sense here? You can only go so far with a certain direction before it gets old.
This is what I believe Seal is indirectly trying to get at. Vera Blanc, An Tomioka, and others do you understand what I’m saying?
I do think Seal and Co. are trying to make this a win-win situation for everyone, even those who are perhaps less fortunate and may have to go out of their way to purchase such an album. I really have to respond by saying that I honestly don’t understand the issue.
Sincerely,
Robert Sterling
I would like to also add that Seal may not put pitched songs out for streaming due to the fact that it gives him a chance to possibly tweak or recycle the songs evolving it into something better that we may hear in the future (fitting higher quality standards). The only example I can think of is “Heaven” => “This Could Be Heaven.”
Robert Sterling
Oh, my, what is the haps here? See what happens when I leave the FAM? I see I’ve some catching up to do. I shall begin here:
Quoting Sir Seal
:
Might I again point out that in toying with the idea of a six song record, I wouldn’t expect the record company to charge the same price as they do for a twelve song record. End quote.
Considering an EP? Sure! Why not? You’re the boss. Anything you say goes, boss.
Quote: If I had my way I would give the music away for free seeing as I don’t make any money from the actual mechanical sales of my records in any case not to mention making even less than nothing in this age of copyright violation.End quote.
Uh oh.
Quote: People seem to forget that an artist who may have been selling 8 million records eight years ago is now selling the equivalent of 1-2. That is the financial reality of my industry at this moment. End quote.
Did you have a lawsuit lately? You did, right? I can’t recall the outcome. I am surprised you’re talking money stuff here. I guess I have a lot of catching up to do.
Quote. My reasons for even entertaining the prospect of a six song record was to simply get the thing out there sooner so that I can go tour all the countries I’ve missed over the years and do what I’m finding I do best which is connect with you…my audience. End quote.
I love the way you connect with me. I don’t know what this Vera lass wrote (yet!) but I do know you don’t have to justify yourself…to anyone! I remember I made a comment to you once… It went something like this:
…oh, gosh, I can’t find what I wrote. But I can find what YOU wrote:
“Hi all. I just wanted to clarify something that I wrote in my original newsletter. It is mainly in response to ‘loneliestar’s’ posting. The actual commercial success, or lack thereof of my albums is really what enables me to continue making music for people to enjoy. I am certainly not motivated by this alone but it is a reality of life, If I have no commercial success, no one gets to hear the music.”
…and on like that (full post here:
http://seal.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/398107463/m/169609557/p/1
My point is, luvy, you don’t have to explain yourself to us. Maybe living in a squat, though, has given you a frame of reference with regard to money, commercial success, and whatnot. Please forgive me if my nose is where it does not belong. (slapping my nose)
Back to Seal Henry Samuel’s blog:
I’m not trying to short change anyone, I’m trying to give you more music over less time at a LOWER PRICE. End quote.
You don’t have to worry about our money, luv. I don’t think you do. {{hugs}}
Vera Blanc,
I hope you check the blog and stumble upon this. Just so that you know that Seal was not angry but rather snippy because your comment was dead on. Now the comment that struck him was not the cost of CD’s or even the thought that you thought he was going to put out inferior music for whatever reasons. It was this:
“Who is your boss? I hope it is not the industry, money, or whatever another power. I hope it is still YOU.”
Now everything else was thrown into his and your resonse. I just wanted you to know…because I was lead to… that Seal is right at this moment struggling with the gifts God has given him and has found himself blocked and is trying to unblock himself so that he can express himself fully as God intends him to do.
You mentioned that at the VERY time he (Seal) himself is asking that question and is trying to figure how to move forward not only musically but Spiritually and make the changes necessary in his life.
He was very flustered that you picked up on it for he (although told) is SHOCKED that people can see into someone from a picture or some words on the internet which is why he is involved with the internet and connections like this.
Anyway, Vera, your comments as well as everyone’s is always welcomed whether a rant or a praise because EVERYTHING fosters questions and growth. I for one thoroughly enjoyed his snippy response as well as your comments.
But you know, who cares what I enjoy?
Anyway… how often do we get to see ‘ol pissy Seal? hahahaha not too often…
He’s just making conversation without really saying what it is that is weighing on his heart and mind.
Much Love,
Althea
P.S. He’ll have his breakthrough and go deeper and redo EVERYTHING he’s already layed down on tracks before he releases anything so he is still making sure quality over quantity anyday
Dear Precious Seal..
MEANWHILE BACK AT THE RANCH…
how’s that beautiful new baby doing? I hope the kids and HK enjoyed their trip to Germany. You know what I like about Germany? You can get a big mac, large fries and a beer at one time! ***THAT IS COOL!***
I’m still adjusting to my new job in the neuro ICU here in Pueblo Colorado. Still bring you to work with me and listen when I can. Just the mere idea that a new album is coming out has me STOKED and MOST EXCITED! BTW..my daughter logged in under my name and left you some funnies. Don’t know if you got them..but she did pass her history test and she’s doing great and she’s so in love with you! 13 year old crushes are wild! You just wait and see! (hahah)..My best wishes to you and HK/Kids…Take care and God bless!
Maggie Daniels
Pueblo West, CO
Hey Seal
This is Ashley B…my mom is Maggie. Remember me? Well, she went upstairs and is on the phone, so I get to write to you! HI!!!!!!! WUT UP!!!
Mom turns 40 on feb 26 dont forget! shhhh. She is like so bummed about it and is totally dreading it. Dude when are you coming to my school to teach my music teacher how to get the job done? Hey isn’t your birthday coming too? Are you bummed about getting older too? Take care. Mom’s coming!! gots ta go! Late and
PEEEEEEEEEEEEEACE YO!
Ashley B